The 22-year-old currently plays for third division Italian side AC Mestre. He has played 18 times for the Venice-based club.

There are also three players – Tim Payne, Matt Ridenton and Cameron Howieson – who are recalled to the national squad after long absences.

Schmid, who became the 17th All Whites Head Coach earlier this month, is happy with the balance of his squad.

"The squad offers a good mix of experienced players, new players and some who are returning to the environment," Schmid said in a statement.

Sarpreet Singh.
Photo credit: Getty Images

"It is confirming our intention to take a good look at all of the potential All Whites because that will be the task in the next months. Not only here in the Spain camp but throughout the next few windows."

A number of established players were not selected due to club commitments - those included Chris Wood, Stefan Marinovic, Bill Tuiloma, Kosta Barbarouses, Deklan Wynne, Kip Colvey and Tommy Smith.

Schmid said he understood that they had other priorities to consider.

"We know what all of those players can offer the national team. They are not selected for this window, but they all know that they are on my watch-list and that they will be offered an opportunity to prove their value in due time."

In the absence of both Wood and Winston Reid (injury), Schmid said the captain for this tour was still to be determined.

The match against Canada will take place at the Pinatar Arena in Spain on Sunday 25 March (NZT).